Priest with history in Kern County arrested for alleged sexual crime

Bakersfield Now
June 10, 2015

http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/Priest-in-Diocese-of-Fresno-arrested-for-alleged-sexual-crime-306847781.html

FILE - Father Robert Gamel is seen in a photo used with permission of the Merced Sun-Star.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) - A priest of the Diocese of Fresno has been arrested on suspicion of possessing matter depicting a minor engaging in sexual conduct.

Father Robert Gamel has been on leave from St. Joseph Church in Los Banos since last summer. The Diocese of Fresno announced his arrest Wednesday.

The investigation started after concerned parents contacted the church. Last fall, Los Banos Police Commander Jason Hedden confirmed to Eyewitness News that the priest had allegedly obtained nude photographs of a teenager from social media websites.

Most Rev. Armando X. Ochoa, bishop of the Diocese of Fresno, issued the following statement Wednesday: "It is with great sorrow when a Bishop receives news that one of his priests has been charged with a crime; especially, something that involves a minor. My concern is for the wellbeing of all who are impacted; the youth, the family, the parish and school community, his brother priests, and for Fr. Gamel. The days ahead will be difficult for many. I ask the faithful to hold this matter of concern in prayer so that healing may begin."

Gamel is no stranger to Kern County. According to Teresa Dominguez, chancellor and spokeswoman for the Diocese of Fresno, the priest served at Christ the King Church in Oildale, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Bakersfield and St. Joseph Mission Church in Oildale, which no longer exists.

He was also assigned to St. Ann Church in Ridgecrest, at St. Joseph in Boron and Our Lady of Lourdes in California City.